ABOUT THE YAK: a domesticated animal living at high altitude and surviving where conditions are too severe for cattle and horses.
Yaks are found mostly in herds of 100-200 animals. The coat is made up of a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat with a very long staple - about 32-34cm, only suitable for rough material (for ropes, tents and the like) and a fine undercoat, which is naturally shed at the beginning of summer. The fibre is combed out by hand in April.

The fibre from white yak in particular is prized and considered to equal the fine wool of the cashmere goat. The fibre is classified according to colour - 60% dark brown, 30% light brown, 10% white, and is cleaned and sorted in the same way as for cashmere goats. Only the fine fibre from the belly of the animal is used for yarns and the resulting wool is stronger, but less elastic than other types of wool.